Thinking of Character Names Part 3...

   Another quick tip for character naming :) I hope you've thought up some interesting names with these tips :)

3a. Use the Names of People Close to you: 

 

   The simplest way to name characters is using family and friends names. They could reflect their character's personality and relationships or you could just like the name and allocate a character.

   If your Mum's name is Jane, then so could your main character's Mother. Or, you could name a very protective and loving character Jane. You could call a boat the heroes are travelling on 'The Jane' or just find a person who acts just like your own Mum and call her Jane.

   The opportunities are endless with this tip and you could name your whole cast and crew after people you know and love. This gives you someone to base your characters on, typical names if your story is set in modern-day and an endless list of names to choose from.

   I'm sure people will be very touched that your best-selling novels include them as the heroes and you can tell the bully what you really think if you use them as the villain!

3b. Use Famous People:

 

  This is also another small tip, but must be used carefully

   You could also use famous people as inspiration, but it's best not to call the character their full name exactly unless the character's parents were obsessive fans. If the character's Mother loved Twilight so called her daughter Bella Swan, it would have to fit the story or plot in some way.

   Here's the tricky part. The person that you use will be known to many and already exists so using their name could cause confusion with readers. It's best to keep this as a reserve or use sparingly as a tribute to a personal inspiration.

   Loosely basing the name on someone famous is perfect. For example, there's already been a Leonardo Da Vinci, the famous painter, inventor and all round clever guy, and I had a clever character in need of a name, so Leo was born. Leo also means 'like a lion', so connotes he will be brave too. Inspiration is everywhere so how about watching out for your favourite celebrities every now and again?

~White Ravens~